-squeals-
"I have legs! They work!"
-doesn't actually protest, because lazy-
"Wait, wait."
-thinks really hard-
"Does this mean I have to make another scrapbook for our wedding wedding?"
-gasps-
"More sl*tty wedding night sex?! This is a lot to process."

It's not especially late, but Erica is fast asleep beside Zara on the couch. Her leeched energy from a combination of heat and training had been obvious when the red head had walked in the door from a grueling day on the job, yet she still cracked a smile at Zara's exuberant greeting. But now here she is, asleep beside her fiancee.

Zara squirms out from under a draped arm, very gingerly moving to lift Erica up, one arm supporting her back, and the other under her knees. Zara's unspoken strength is never exhibited - she's careful of it. The many times she'd put up no effort against an arm wrestle of tickle fight were numerous. But in this instance, she just wanted her to rest comfortably, and knew she couldn't possibly on their beloved yet raggedy leather sofa.

With Erica hoisted up, she makes a slow path up the stairs, eventually laying Rickie down among soft pillows and a cool down-feather comforter. After getting herself ready for bed, Zara would climb under the sheets with Rickie, arms encircling her waist, lips brought to her forehead in a tender kiss. And with that, Zara too drifts off to sleep.

Erica Stone
I’m telling you there’s drugs on her!
I just want our home back to ourselves. And the dog.
Also I just want to eat my mac n cheese with a table spoon and make out with you on the couch like a normal person.

“Shut up!”
-steals more kisses-
“I just want to be Mrs. Stone. And then I can get fat.”
-bats lashes-
“I hear there’s such a thing as sl*tty wedding night sex. I can do that. I could totally do that.”
-85% pillow princess-
“But I’ll wait. Because I want to wait until it’s our dream wedding.”

“No. I mean, like... Just get a justice of the peace. Make it official.”
-burrows face into her neck-
“Ignore me. You smile like that at me and I stop being sensible.”
-covers her mouth with a hand-
“I should add that I’m very, very patient.”
-filthy rotten liar-

“I told you she’s going to give you a run for your money!”
-nuzzles-
“She told me she thinks you’re a total catch. Because you are.”
-gentle kiss-
“I like who I am with you. And so does she. It would be difficult not to notice how you treat me, and I’m sure she admires the love you show me.”

“Mom and I already had like 20 waffles.”
-kisses her neck-
“Maybe some eggs.”
-nuzzles affectionately-
“Steak and eggs for breakfast!”
-so excited-
“I’ll cook it. You just focus on being a snack. I work better with visual stimulation.”

“I have total faith. She’s gonna love you.”
-Eskimo kisses-
“I think she just wanted to check for herself, you know?”
-clears throat-
“I’ve never called home about anyone more. I guess she’s curious to see who stole my heart.”

“She’s me. But cooler.”
-sighs-
“She’s... Well. She’s a hippie. Full on. Like, if you thought I didn’t give a sh*t, you’re in for a treat.”
-pokes her stomach-
“We talked for a while about you. How much I love you. How dreamy you are. How you make me laugh until my sides hurt...”
-smiles briefly-
“I just hope you’re prepared for her invasive questioning. She doesn’t have a filter.”

“I don’t know. I thought it would be hot... But it isn’t you.”
-straddles her hips-
“I like you just the way you are. Style, taste... Wouldn’t change a thing.”
-gentle kiss-
“Wanna put on pajamas and watch Netflix?”

“Yeah, okay.”
-still sulky-
“I don’t have to take the job, babe.”
-prepares her plate-
“I can handle myself just fine. The last time I had an over friendly customer...”
-blinks, grins-
“Okay, bad example. But you’re so pretty. How could I resist?”

-giggles-
"What? You come in here all sexy and proud of yourself, and expect me not to jump you?"
-tugs on her shirt-
"Yes, I walked the dog. I do leave the house."
-trails kisses-
"I just prefer not to sometimes..."

-stifles smirk-
“You mean when I went down on you for over half an hour and then you left?”
-is so thoroughly amused-
“Yeah, baby. Really romantic.”
-hands drift-
“That’s enough talking. Let’s just relive it.”

-is under all of the blankets and pillows-
"Drop the towel and get under here!"
-all snuggly-
"We're gonna make out and go to sleep.
-clears throat-
"Or just go to sleep. I'm definitely not thinking about, like, heavy petting."

"I could make a lot of things work."
-averts gaze-
"Sorry. You're just so pretty. And you're naked. I can't be expected to be on my game right now."
-more gay panic-
"You're so pretty and I like you so so much."

"To be clear..."
-prods gently-
"Maybe if I said I'd laced them with ecstasy, okay? Weed's harmless."
-holds up finger-
"But, it's fine. I don't understand, baby, but for you, I'll try extra hard."
-clears throat-
"Still a little bit of time left on the clock before it's Monday... Wanna make out a little?"

-puts cold feet on her back-
"Don't ignore me. Look at me."
-is ruthless-
"I wouldn't ever do that to you. I haven't ever. I don't even... You know what? I don't have to justify myself to you, either. A joke in words alone doesn't warrant this sort of reaction."
-crawls over to her-
"But I don't want to go to bed angry. So I'm sorry I pushed your buttons on something you're sensitive to."

-blinks-
"That was perfectly good waffle..."
-tilts head-
"If you think I would ever do that to you, you need to reevaluate."
-clears throat-
"And maybe apologize."
-small grin-
"Not for being hot when you're mad. No apology necessary on that front."

-crawls on top of her-
"Just makin' sure you're not in a sex coma."
-nuzzles-
"Want some waffles? Or a panini? I ordered a panini press online the last time you got home late. I was bored. QVC was the only thing on."

-purses lips-
“I want all of it, with you.”
-nods-
“Spontaneity is healthy. We need a little bit of it.”
-leans in for a kiss-
“So... Right here, because I want you. And we can take it one step at a time, but it won’t change my mind.”
-nuzzles-
“I don’t want to focus on anything else but you. So whether it’s in the kitchen, or the shower... I’ll only be thinking about how much I love you, and how I never want anyone else.”

Erica Stone
Do you realize how condescending this text is?
You can’t even see where I’m coming from.
This is why I didn’t want to bring it up.
You’re not going to let go of having a personal relationship with your ex-wife.

-stops in doorway-
“Who’re you to say what Lyla and I had? And how dare you claim it’s just my silly insecurity?”
-walks into room, retrieves a pillow and blanket-
“You can stay out here..”
-clearly super p*ssed-
-slams door behind her-

-blinks-
“Erica. Hold on. Breathe.”
-wraps arms around her waist-
“First of all, you’re perfect for me. Second of all, she absolutely will love you.”
-presses forehead to hers-
“And even if she doesn’t, her opinion could never dissuade me. I’m going to marry the sh*t out of you no matter what.”

“You’re soft.”
-kisses her nose-
“It just means, babe, she wants to make sure you’re the best choice for her only child. So no doubt she’ll grill you, but in the end she’ll know about you what I do.”
-grins-
“You’re my best baby.”

“You were a brick wall once, too. And then we had sex.”
-blinks-
“I’m not gonna... with your dad... That’s unfortunate.”
-harsh swallow-
“Good or bad. I don’t know. She’ll definitely give you a run for your money!”

“What? Think they won’t like me?”
-squeezes her hands-
“I’m great with parents. I think. Never done it before. But now is as good of a time as any!”
-grins-
“I can’t wait for you to meet my mom. She’s going to eat you alive.”

“I love you a lot, too. ”
-grins-
“I love you more than you love me, actually.”
-coughs-
“Are we still gonna... um...”
-pokes her arm-
“Remember that one time? We parked in an alleyway, and then your partner interrupted?”
-grumbles-
“I was totally going to to talk you out of your pants, too.”

“I’m not trying to be unreasonable. I know you wouldn’t do anything. That’s not the point, you know?”
-squeezes her hand-
“How about burgers and the trampoline? I’d be happy with that.”
-lowers gaze-
“Maybe I’m just being insecure. I don’t know. We can go to Sage’s picnic.”

“Sounds like a lot of fun.”
-shrugs-
“My ideal holiday isn’t spent with your ex-wife, babe. She’s a little too comfortable with you for my comfort.”
-diverts gaze-
“Sorry, Erica. I just don’t like spending time with the person you married.”

“I have been gay for some time now... The last three hours at least.”
-kisses her jaw-
“We could go express something right now. I just got us a new comforter, and it’s great for snuggles.”
-bats lashes-
“Maybe some other stuff.”

“Go to Seattle? We could do that. ”
-squeaks-
“I have a lot of love in this heart. I’ve been saving it all these years just for you. I just didn’t know it then.”
-all lovey dovey-
“I honestly don’t know how I got so lucky.”

“Oh. Well, my mom is the opposite.”
-tries not to swoon, fails-
“She’s... Well you’ll meet her. But she loves you already. So you don’t have to worry!”
-another tender kiss-
“I can be emotionally invested enough for all of them.”
-clears throat-
“Like, right now. If you wanted.”

-panics back-
“I just.. I told her I found the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. How do you think I got her ring?!”
-freaking out-
“Is that not okay? I love you! I just wanted her to know!”
-gasps-
“Wait a minute... Your family doesn’t know you’re having monogamous intercourse with me?!”
-is offended-
“Am I not good looking enough?!”

"Why? I can go get pregnant right now!"
-all determined-
"I could get pregnant so fast, just watch!"
-is so innocent-
"Wait. Does that involve... P... No. No."
-hugs tighter-
"No thank you! You're the only baby I need."

-tugs back-
“Because I worship your body, Erica.”
-finally let’s her pull the blanket away-
“I love every inch of you.”
-pushes her over, crawls on top-
“You’re perfect to me. And I’m so lucky. Or didn’t I make that clear last night?”

“You just had a crush on the cute girl making you coffee.”
-clears throat-
“Sometimes you need to hear the tough things from the people that matter most. But I think I always knew you didn’t mean the harsh words.”
-small smile-
“I guess when I was ready for something more... I just hoped it wasn’t too late.”

"... Maybe. I don't know. But you smell good." She nuzzles Erica's neck, placing a kiss against the crook of her neck. "Patience is a virtue, you know. I wanted to hear about your day before I..." She stops short, clearing her throat. "Sorry you and I were having two different conversations today." She's still looming over Erica, now more intent on the conversation, if only to drag out the red head's impatience. "But I can't stop thinking now about how much you love me."

There's an audible break in her voice, face still hidden against Rickie's neck. "So I want to make you feel the way you make me feel every day." She kisses Erica's jaw, working her way back to her lips. "Want to go inside?"

"What did I get up to?" Zara blinks, hands momentarily pausing. "Uhm... This." She's referring to the trampoline, of course. She's been awake since Erica's alarm sounded, enduring one long burst of energy. She hyper-cleaned the house, took Barney for a run so long and grueling she had to carry him most of the way, and then paid an amount of money she's unwilling to admit to have the trampoline delivered that afternoon. "Just... Y'know. Bounced. For like six hours."

And in a very sudden sweep, she flips Erica over - but not without bouncing against the mesh of the trampoline. "We should bring the TV out here. And then we can bounce and watch iZombie!" Clearly she doesn't mean quite this instant, as she's resumed unabashedly groping Erica. "You smell like..." She sniffs. "Chocolate... Did you eat one of my brownies?!"

"Right? I was bored. This seemed fun." On a more sane day, Zara would understand the magnanimity of such a purchase, but today she's in rare form. Incredibly energized and needing an outlet, impulsiveness is not uncommon. Her exuberance is well noted as her hands wander along the curves of Erica's body, an ear-to-ear grin hanging off of her face. "It's something new to do."

She leans in for another kiss, letting it linger for as long as she allows. "Have a good day?"

After another half hour or so of snuggling and TV watching, Zara pipes up again. "Bedtime?" She looks at Rickie hopefully. "Carry me. I'm sleepy." She bats her lashes, presenting her most pathetic expression possible. "Please, babe?" And it doesn't take all that much convincing for Erica to carry her up the stairs to bed.

Always happy to be the little spoon, Zara notices Rickie holds her especially close once they're snuggled up in bed, and it makes Zara smile all the more wider. "I love you, Erica." She whispers into the darkness of their bedroom, the only other sound Barney's soft snoring at the foot of the bed. It only takes Erica a few seconds to reply, 'I love you too, baby', for Zara to fall into a fitful slumber.

"Of course I'm sure." She offers a sincere smile, both of her hands closing over Rickie's. "There's no rush into forever. We're already in the middle of it." She can't help but kiss Erica again, and a few times more before settling for an Eskimo nuzzle. "I like you, and I love you. And that's all that matters to me."

She pulls the blanket closer, as wrapped around the other woman as she can possibly be. She lets out a content hum, maybe still a little drunk. But happily so. "You make me feel like I'm capable of anything. And you don't try to change me. You just love me. Do you know how rare you are? And how special you are to me?"

"They could've played the banjo all night." Zara gives an apologetic smile, having no true taste for the genre, period. It all inevitably sounds the same to her. She gently lifts Barney and moves him out from between herself and Erica, and promptly crawls into Rickie's lap. "It could've been a spittoon band. I just liked seeing you smile." All snuggled up with Rickie and her blanket, Zara lets out a content sigh. "I really, really love you, you know."

Her hands fish around beneath the blanket, and soon enough she's pressing something gently into Rickie's hand. "I really just want you to have it, no matter what. I'm sorry I took it back. I want you to know I'm on your schedule. And I'll be here whenever you're ready." Zara leans into a tender kiss, then becoming somewhat distracted.

Zara had treated Erica to an evening of some of her favorite things. A dinner at Logan's Roadhouse, where Rickie was plied with red meat and plenty of beer. Then onto The Drunk Horse Pub, where Zara would spend a grueling hour listening to live country music with Rickie. All of this, and a walk through the downtown area, because Zara is so often the receiver of kind gestures, she was dead set on treating her girlfriend to a lovely, stress-free evening geared towards her interests.

It doesn't bother Zara in the least to bend to Erica enjoys. It makes her happy to see the other woman happy, cased closed. And afterwards, Zara gets her favorite thing. Curled up on the sofa, watching Netflix with Rickie. At some point, Zara had dosed off, Barney curled up on her lap. Her head is on Rickie's shoulder, the red head still awake and intently watching iZombie. She nestles in a little closer, a small yawn yapping from her lips. "Did you have a good time tonight?" Her voice is heavy with sleep, but she's slowly coming around, fending off several glasses of rum & coke she'd consumed over the course of the evening.

"You can have it back. On your finger. On the chain around your neck. As a toe ring. I don't care."
-tries to pick her up-
-is really so, so weak-
"I'm trying to be romantic, babe."
-giving 'efforting' expression-
-actually picks her up for a few seconds-
"To bed! Which is a clothing optional zone, of course."

"We can go to bed, if you want. I'll make you feel very un-self-conscious."
-drags hot girlfriend-
"And I don't mean sex. I mean I'll put on that face mask you don't like."
-stops, turns around-
"Did you... want the ring back? Not, like, you know.. I mean... You could..."
-squints-
"Why don't we both just shut up and make out?"

"Oh, I already picked the names."
-might be a psychopath-
"You just have to put on the ring. Whenever you're ready, of course!"
-is definitely a psychopath-
"Sunflower, Brooke, Sky, Basil, Forest and Briar."
-big smile-
"... Is that a lot? I'm sorry."

"Oh, it's not a question. We will have actual kids. I want six."
-absolutely not joking-
"And Barney will remain our son. On equal footing with any potential baby. Because I love Barney more than I love anyone else."
-sheepish smile-
"Except you... Of course..."

"No one likes country music."
-uses air quotes-
"I'm feeling some type of way because I'm in North Carolina with your fine ass."
-clears throat, blinks-
"That didn't sound great coming out of my mouth."
-squints-
"So what. It smells like you. I was lonely. Barney is mad I wouldn't give him any of my toast this morning."

Erica Stone
You broke MY phone, jerk!!
... are you insinuating you’d like me to be defiant?
Oh my god. Is this your kink?
Hold on. I need to take a deep breath.
I knew you were too normal. This is so exciting!!

"Baby, I'm only ever walking down an aisle of you're at the end of it." Zara practically swoons, disregarding all proffered information of family members. All she really cares about in this moment is the woman with her - and nothing, and no one, matters in comparison. She wiggles her way out from beneath Erica, crawling off of the sofa.

"Come to bed with me?" She offers her hand, an earnest smile offered. "I wanna spoon. And take a nap. But only with you." And when Rickie, after a brief laugh takes her hand, Zara knows there's nothing she wouldn't do to continue to have these little moments for the rest of her life.

"My mom." She pauses. "Um..." She squints. "She has some old lesbian friends she plays bridge with. Maybe them too." Realizing her list of friends begins with her mother and ends with Rickie doesn't phase her much.

"What about your family?" They've never discussed family in-depth. Zara's disappeared on enough two-hour long phone calls with her mother to necessitate a brief conversation, but Erica's upbringing is still somewhat of a mystery to Zara. "I don't really care who's there. As long as you're at the end of the aisle with me. But you already know that." She's being soft, and she knows it. And frankly, she doesn't care one bit. "I guess I should start recruiting for a future maid of honor."

"I'm starting to get an idea, yeah." She cracks a wide grin, and then stealing another kiss. "Not a big dancer, I'm assuming." She tilts her head, giving a shrug. "No big deal. We can do whatever. It's our day. Not just mine. We can... um... play beer pong at the wedding. Or, um... eat steak."

It can only be a symbol of Zara's completely reciprocated affections that she would offer such abominations at her wedding. But, she wouldn't really care, as long as Erica was there.

"Good. Me too." She offers a gentle smile. "Summertime? In a barn. With fields of wildflowers. And I want to be barefoot." Zara gives Erica a squeeze, trying her very best to be coaxing and non-suspect. "And I want a big dance floor. And cake. Did I mention the cake? It's going to be twelve tiers. And every tier is a different flavor. And I'm going to eat twelve pieces of cake!"

"I love you, and your broken nose." She breaks her arms free, moving to wrap all of her limbs around Erica. "I love you, I love you, I love you." She reiterates for emphasis. "And one day, I'm going to wife the sh*t out of you. As soon as you'll let me, actually. And I'm gonna do it in front of everyone we know, and then I'm going to eat all of the cake!"

She cranes her neck, nose nuzzling the red head's. "And then I'm going to stop working out, and really let myself go. It's going to be amazing."

"No." She declares defiantly, meanwhile she's fruitlessly trying to squirm out of Erica's grasp. With a sigh of defeat, she blows a bit of hair out of her face. "Love you." She grumbles, diverting her gaze.

"Wanna make out?" She bats her lashes, realizing she has to be sweet in order to get out of her predicament.

"... Oh." Zara droops, plopping onto the couch next to Erica. "I'm glad your face is okay." She purses her lips, considering her options quietly. "But I don't care about bruises no one can see." With cat-like reflexes, Zara is on her haunches, and leaps onto Rickie.

"Tissues! And ice!" Flailing around the house, there's plenty of clashing and banging as Zara procures a bag of frozen peas and a box of tissues. "Is it broken? Babe? Oh my god. I broke your gorgeous face." She's more than a little worked up, especially naive to Erica's theatrics. "Please don't break up with me!" She repeats, waving the tissues and peas in front of Erica.

“What the-?! No!” In one fluid, Zara’s elbow throws back to slam into Erica’s poor, unsuspecting face. “Jesus! Oh, baby! No!” Zara scrambles off of her wounded girlfriend, panicking now in a different respect. “Oh god. Is it bad? Erica? Are you okay?”

She rocks back, hands covering her face. “Please don’t break up with me.”

“I’m hungry.” Zara declares once they’re both loaded back up into the car. She’s already opening a box of cosmic brownies, breaking the bar in half and offering it to her better half. “Your silence tells me you’re up to something, babe.” Zara glowers at Rickie. “I got the New York strip steak. Don’t be moody!”

Zara very easily cracks into a second package of brownies, prepared to nail the entire box. “Can we stop for milkshakes? And then take a nap?”

“I said you could have chicken!” She huffs, pushing the cart down and idly tossing different prebagged fruit into the cart. “You have to have a healthy heart. Beer was enough of a compromise. One good cut of steak. And there’s nothing wrong with beans!” She stops, looking back at Rickie.

“We talked about red meat! You need a better diet. A healthy heart! I’m just trying to take care of you.” Zara grabs a cart along the way, jumping up onto the bar so that it glides forward. “Chicken. Fish. No burgers or steaks. Or bacon!” She shoots a threatening glare in the red head’s direction.

“And just because you’ll do my laundry doesn’t mean I’m not going to be naked all of the -...” She falls short of her sentence as they pass someone down the produce aisle. She lowers her voice to a whisper. “All I’m saying is, being naked is fun. Liberating. You should try it with me.”

“It’s my body! And I don’t like doing laundry. So the more I’m naked, the better for me. Don’t you think?” She’s trying not to grin, knowing at some point she’ll fail. “Who cares who sees it. Only one person gets to do anything more.” Just before she goes to hop out, she plants one on Rickie, because she’s evil.

“Brownies, and veggie burgers. Kale, quinoa... Cream cheese. Maybe some bagel bites.” As always, her diet is an enigma.

Zara squeaks, hands clasping over Rickie’s. “You do. Duh. I won’t even argue that. And I like you in pants. You do a lot of squats.” She wears a grin from ear to ear. “We both know I don’t like to wear pants. You just won’t let me walk around the house naked.” She droops, looking at Rickie with wide, accusatory eyes. “And you’re so getting used. I mean, look how lucky I am!”

“Of course Barney is a good snuggle buddy. But no one compare to you.” Zara smiles. “You’re my woman.” After a little chuckle, she leans back in to bite Erica’s shoulder. “I always miss you when I’m not with you. Barney can’t give back scratchies. Or scoop ice cream for me. Or give me lil’ kisses.” She tilts her head. “I mean, I guess he can do the latter. But I prefer yours.”

Zara’s laughter dies off, clamming up at the ‘wife’ drop. Instead her thumb strokes the back of Rickie’s hand. She knows they’ll get there, sometime. But to know Rickie sees her just the same as one would see their spouse makes Zara smile. “I do a lot in a day. I wake up at the ass crack of dawn, and it takes me a while to go back to sleep without your warm spot.”

Zara runs out, hopping into the cab. She grabs Erica’s chin, pressing a prolonged kiss to her significant other’s lips. “I like it when we fight.” She cracks a grin, climbing over to buckle herself in. “When we fight, we make up. And that’s my favorite part.”

She reaches over, idly taking Erica’s hand. “Can we get cosmic brownies too? And none of that vegan brownie sh*t.”

-holds her face gently-
"Yeah, baby. I know that."
-tender smile-
"You're perfect, you know? I know you don't see it. But I do."
-brief kiss-
"The truth was, I couldn't stand to be away from you, even when we were fighting. I missed you so much."

"You sent the dog."
-arrival apparently obvious-
"I had to come make out with you a little bit. You should have known better!"
-pokes her sides-
"I'll admit, I wasn't expecting it. But you've got game."

After oodles of spinnings and 'I love you's' are thrown in her direction, Zara needs a moment to recenter on her own two feet. "I need a nap." She manufactures little yawn, hand reaching over to intertwine with hers. "C'mon."

She throws a glance over her shoulder with an evil grin. "But maybe we can make-up first."

"YAAAAAAY!!" Wide grin would spread pushing dimples into hollowed cheeks and though she wanted to tackle her one of her new boob friends, she would resist and only toss keys to one of the free cabins. "You, me, and Zara... Drinks soon! Because they're free and why not?"

She blinks. "Yeah I know it's forever. And yes, I know you love me. I said if I came here, I knew what it meant. And I'm here. And I love you, too." Zara offers a gentle smile, and then steals a tender kiss. "You're not going to shake me this time, Erica."

She lets out a self-amused laugh. "Plus, Barney's here. That's the whole package."

Playing coy, Zara gives a shrug. She's able to maintain a rather convincing, thoughtful face - as if she's actually considering Rickie's pitch. And then she grins. "There's everything I need here. A fridge, a bed, a Barney, and a hot woman in uniform." She in turn wraps her arms around Rickie, and places a kiss on her nose.

"But seriously. Bedroom. Unless you want to make out first. Then the kitchen is fine."

After the initial shock and awe, Zara pulls away. "Not in the kitchen. That's gross! And now I have to clean the counters." She clamours out of Rickie's no doubt flabbergasted hold, immediately searching around for a spray cleaner. "If we're going to live together, you have to understand..." And just as quickly she stops, turning back to face Erica.

"I mean, is that what you want? Me to stay here? With you? And Barney?"

It's a long walk - and her stomach is growling not long after she sets out. It's hot as all hell, so at the first sign of a coffee shop (ironically), she's happy to jump in and grab a croissant and a cup of coffee. When she's feeling a little bit more mature, she pulls out her phone, again.

Erica Stone
I can't look at you and talk about your last marriage. I'm insecure, and that's not your fault. It's mine.
When did you meet her? Him? Was it a him? Oh my god. Was it a him?

"I'm not really hungry." She follows behind Rickie, beginning to diverge towards the front door. "Gonna go for a walk." She sticks the ring into her pocket, lips pursed. "If it's your dream, you shouldn't be afraid to take the leap forward. It's only into my arms." Sure, she looks a little despondent. She'd made the trip across the country, dropping everything, because she figured Erica was sorry, and was ready for everything Zara brings to the table.

"... Done it before?" The last words erase everything else that precede them. She doesn't pull back, but rather knits her brow as she mulls over the statement. "The hot blonde?" She's suddenly feeling insecure, and it shows. "That's... Cool." She clears her throat, nodding slowly. "So, um..." She blinks, shaking her head.

"I'll take the ring back." She lifts a hand, scratching her temple. "I don't want to lose it." She knows the second time she asks will dig at Rickie a bit. And maybe she means for it to. "I'll keep it until you decide you want it."

By the time Erica's back, Zara is showered and put back together - but still preferring to lounge in bed. "... I wanna make out." She sighs, knowing instead, they'll have to have an adult conversation. "We don't have to extrapolate all the reasons why you can't marry me. Yes, it's a trap. Yes, I'll get a mortgage right away so you're financially tied to me. Yes, I'll knock you up to lock you down for life. But we don't have to talk about it, right now."

Maybe Zara's a little amused with herself, or maybe she's more sold on the idea of kissing Rickie than she is talking over breakfast. "But yeah. If you make me breakfast, we can talk about whatever you want. I'm starving."

Her brow furrows. "I'm not asking you to get married." Zara peels back from Rickie, climbing out of the bed from the opposite end of it. "I was asking you to think about it." Her expression looks as if it's in response to being slapped, and it's difficult to mask. "You can give it back, then. If you don't want it." She's wide awake now, meeting Erica's gave head-on.

"I thought I was doing it right." The words come out as a sort of whisper, and Zara's sneaking back into the bed again. "I'm gonna go back to sleep, babe." She's once again wrapping herself up in the blankets, this time her back to the red head.

"'m comfy." She retorts, already snuggled up into the blankets - unflinching. "You c'mere." She sticks out a hand, patting the edge of the bed. "Burrito?" She offers, opening up the blanket roll to her. Sleepy Zara is a blissful creature, and completely unaware of Rickie's ring-related panic.

"Isn't that a nice ring? It's my mom's." She's giving another sweet, sleepy smile, slowly but surely becoming more and more with the conversation about to be had. "I'm serious. Just think about it, but I meant forever when I said that's what coming here would be. I love you, and when you love someone you marry them before you get fat."

The post-shower, "hi, I showed up" moment ended with Zara crawling into Erica's bed, and passing out. She's always been rather sloth-like, but the excitement and the travel had worn her out so much she slept from mid-afternoon into the next morning. Her eyes crack open when Rickie's weight in the bed shifts, and Zara can guess easily how ass-crack-of-dawn early it is. It's clear Rickie had slept beside her, all wrapped around the sleepy brunette.

"Mornin'." Zara grumbles, eyes still shut, sleepy pout on her lips. A hazel eye cracks open, and she looks to find her bag stowed neatly beside her bedside table. "Don't leave yet." She wags an unsteady finger in the air, subsequently stumbling over to rifle through her bag. "Here it is."

She turns to Rickie - messy bun, still wearing the clothes she had traveled in. And then she drops something, small, cold, smooth - metal; a ring - into her hand. "Think about it." And then she crawls back into the bed, ready to fall back asleep.

Erica Stone
I was going to come, too.
You blew it, Erica. And you only have yourself to blame.
You're not happy with yourself unless you're completely isolated.
I think you're actually incapable of letting someone love you. So I'll make it really, really easy for you.
We're done.

Zara is all wrapped up in the bed Erica currently shared with her, flipping idly through the channels until something catches her eye. She's half paying attention as Erica's figure fills the door-frame, not truly registering all that Erica has to say. "Cool." She looks up briefly, smiling. "Come to bed, baby. We'll talk about it in the morning." But the words hang in her mind, committed to her memory as much as she wants to avoid them.

She's awake and out of bed the next morning even before Rickie, having been unsuccessful in her attempts to sleep anyway. She's panicking, angry, sad - confused, but unable to voice any concern that Rickie could understand. In the rush to leave before a conversation, her phone is still on the nightstand beside Erica when she wakes up.

Zara can't face the idea of not having the detective with her - not yet.

If I wasn't mad, then we'd never have good sex!
-calls from other room-Oh! Babe, I brought your mail in when I walked Barney. It's next to the microwave.
-so focused on TV, still shouting-And grab the hummus!

"If you say so." Zara smiles again, lifting a hand to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Oh. A pear salad." She looks from the menu up to Erica, clearly unable to stop smiling, she just falls silent. She's nervous, the fidgeting, the insecurities all made evident in her abnormally quiet behavior. She reaches a hand onto the table, palm up, inviting Rickie's to take it.

It's not because Zara's normally nervous at all in front of Rickie. In fact, she's as comfortable as she's ever been, being with the detective. But something about Rickie's effort this evening has Zara at a lost for words - appreciative, and unwilling to mess even a second of it up.

Zara's leaning against her Jeep when Rickie approaches, adorned in a flowing sundress with large sunflowers against a beige fabric. She also has a small sunflower tucked behind her right ear. No jewelry aside from that afixment. She wears a pair of brown ballet flats, because she's gay. And, she enjoys their height difference.

"Only lately." She beams, wide and bright. "You look amazing, Erica." Zara happily accepts Rickie's assistance into the truck, all quiet and nervous, if only adorably so. When Rickie climbs into the driver's side of the truck bench, Zara reaches over for her hand, giving it a short squeeze. "Seriously. You look perfect."

She fidgets with the hem of her dress, and then checking her make-up in the rearview mirror. "Do I look alright?"

Erica Stone
Rude question. I'm not shallow.
And you shouldn't be insecure.
I love you a little bit. Remember that?

Erica Stone
If I say I wanna make out a little, are you going to call me a liar? - On the date, that is.
We can do whateverrrr tonight. I just got done cleaning a very expensive espresso machine, and I need a big spoon.

"I think a good next step is dinner. How about you?"
Zara reaches down, grasping Erica's hand in hers. Her thumb traces idly over the other woman's knuckles, grip briefly tightening for an affectionate squeeze. "I just like spending time with you. And I think we should keep doing that." Zara's being as honest as she can be, as she always is with Rickie.

"You make me happy." She offers an earnest smile, and then another kiss. And a few more, because hey; Erica's good at it. And when it feels right, Zara pulls back, still holding firmly to the detective's hand. "Come on. Let's go eat."

"Oh, shut up! You can get chicken on the salad!" She huffs, about to continue rambling on and on able the validity of salads just to disprove Erica's wrong opinion. She's amused, as she always is when they squabble, but Rickie's next words stop her completely.

It feels as if Zara's heart is in her throat, thrumming fast and heavy, her entire body vibrating. She can't believe what she's just heard, and she's almost convinced it didn't happen at all. She doesn't remark upon it for a few minutes, really doesn't do much at all. Except stare. Not even a smile. Just a very level, wide-eyed, shocked gaze. And still, the deafening beat of her own heart.

Like a deer caught in headlines, Zara is frozen. The spot that Rickie kissed on her forehead feels like the center of a target, torn through by a spot-on arrow. She's slowly beginning to thaw, brain negotiating with her limbs to start operating again. "You think so?" Her grin enigmatic, cut from ear to ear and toothy.

"Took you long enough to say something." She's quiet too, pressing so closely against Erica it's hard to tell when one of them ends and the other begins.

"I could eat whatever." She shrugs. 100% the consummate girlfriend stereotype, she's impossible to pin down for a meal choice. "Takeout's fine." She hands over one of the two beers, leaning in to steal a kiss after. "I'd hate to inhibit your meal prepping schedule."

She's doing her best to ignore their text-messaging debacle, but Zara can't hide her nervous energy. She's just as fidgety, gaze darting every so often from Erica. Sure, she'd been able to play off the sex. She's a straight shooter in that regard (no pun intended). But Erica is being far too casual with the statement Zara had delivered earlier to make her feel at all at-ease.

"Maybe something less greasy? There's the salad place." And then she's reminded that 'salads aren't meals', and grins. "Seriously, though. Whatever you want."

"I already told you what I wanted, babe." Zara flashes that mischievous grin, pushing Rickie back against the now closed door. Her hand moves to side the lock closed, and then looks up at Rickie. "This okay?" Her hands are already wandering, moving to Zara's belt buckle. Her lips are already on Erica's again, hands moving, deft as they undress Rickie right there.

And afterwards, as they both recollect themselves, Zara wanders over to the fridge and pulls out two beers, popping the caps with a nearby bottle opener. "So. Dinner?"

Zara checks the last text from Erica before she turns off her car and steps out, leaving the open air Jeep to fend for itself in a spot that is absolutely reserved for a resident of the detective's building. Zara doesn't really care - as clearly seen. With an overnight bag slung over her shoulder, Zara pushes open the door to Erica's lobby, the redhead immediately catching her sight.

"Hey," She greets shortly, before the strap of her bag falls from her shoulder, and Erica's face is between Zara's hands. A grin can be caught on her lips just before they completely consume the detective's, completely enamored by her, and not allowing a word in edgewise. The detective wants to talk. She wants to have dinner. Always level-headed, always doing the right thing.

And Zara is just the same, really. But its been a long day, and really, Zara's just tired of holding back.

She sputters. "It was the heat of the moment! I just got carried away." Animal instinct, really. And she's innocent enough seeming in her exasperation. "But, you know... It's nice to ward off wandering eyes." She tries to offer up a silver-lining, hand reaching over to grasp at her wrist. "War or no war, you're free to do whatever you like." With a wink, Zara unlocks the doors.

"Seriously. You're going to be late, and I need food." She blows a kiss, all smiles and swoons.

"Yes. In your Army T-shirt, in your bed, probably watching Iron Chef." Zara knows it's dangerous to Rickie's productivity to announce such things, but she hopes it serves more as an incentive to get through the work day. "Might want to button the top button..." She reaches over, poking at a hickey along Erica's collarbone.

"Go back, earn money to buy me nice things, and we'll have dinner together tonight." She's teasing, a finger tucking under Rickie's chin to lift her head. "The sooner you get done with work, the sooner we can make out in a more conducive space."

She steals one last kiss before climbing back over the center console - making the whole maneuver look graceful. "Need me to drive you back around?"

"What kind of..." Zara is prepared to rattle off insults, but realizes Rickie is correct. Time IS of the essence. So with a forgiving smile, she leans in for another kiss, not caring Jared is only just starting to walk away. And she'll keep Rickie's lips preoccupied, until the detective's phone alarm dictates their time is up.

"Sh*t." She pulls back, definitely breathless, but grinning wider than ever before. "The day will pass sooner than you think, right? Let me know if I have to kick Jared's ass." But she doesn't move, not just yet. She's still wrapped up in Rickie's hold, and she's more than reluctant to let go.

It's safe to say Zara is getting carried away, until a loud knock sends her head flying up, knocking squarely into the roof. "Jesus Christ!" She swears, beating Rickie to the button. "Can I ****ing help you?"

"Not fun." She pouts. "It's only a little nudity. Soft core." She's about to keep gently arguing, but she's being pulled into a kiss. As smart as she prides herself in being, Rickie has outsmarted her again.

"I left late. Walked Barney. Ate that ice cream. Rolled around in your bed all day so it would smell like me."

Zara mumbles, something regarding 'still a uniform', fingers then moving to unbutton the first few steps of her shirt. "Good. Then we're welcome to do whatever we please." With a laugh, she leans in for a brief kiss.

"Everything okay at work, otherwise?" Zara's carrying pleasant chit-chat, all the while attempting to finagle the detective out of her clothes. "Nothing to report?"

"You're the worst at pretending." Zara settles into Rickie's lap, arms draping around her shoulders. "I like the uniform, by the way." She grins, gaze dropping to eye her over. "Isn't leud behavior in uniform frowned upon, detective?"

"I ate waaaay too many carbs last night." Zara replies, eyes on the road as she navigates... straight past the deli. "I have a better idea, actually." She pulls into an alleyway; narrow and quiet. She slips the transmission into 'park' and unfastens her seatbelt.

Great. We'll bake them with hemp oil!
-so evil-Don't forget to grab beer, though. I'm only going to make you pretend through one glass of wine.
-tugs on her arm-That, and I like you. So I'll deal with the bear breath if you can deal with the wine teeth.

-collects self-That all sounds perfect.
-reaches for her hand-Oh! And we can bake cookies for dessert. Or just eat the dough. Or is that too much of a rule breaker move for you, Detective?
-wicked grin-

You're not even slightly funny!
-lightly kicks-Your partner must die of boredom with you.
-grips tighter-A blade of grass has more personality than you.
-100% teasing-Except I'd rather spend my time with you.
-bats lashes-

Tofu isn't bad...
-smiles-As much as I love your flexibility, I don't care if you don't want to drink wine, and I certainly wouldn't be bothered if you never wanted to eat vegan.
-pauses-And I'm not picky, you ass.
-flicks-

I know how you meant it. And I liked it.
-smiles-I hate to break it to you, detective, but they are so a meal.
-leans over, smooches on her cheek-I'm still down for pasta. Or anything. If you're there.

Erica Stone
No, that's you jumping to conclusions about what you believe I think is fun.
You don't even know me. You just invented a Zara in your head that you've decided you've defined and don't like.

Zara grins. "If you're never going to give me the chance to say thank you, assume it's implied." She then turned her attention back towards the television, scrolling through the options on Netflix's home page.

Zara plops down onto her sofa - suede, white, incredibly unassuming. She tilts her head, looking at Erica with masked amusement. Erica refused to admit to herself that she enjoyed Zara in whatever small way she did. Zara pissed the detective off, and she lives for it. "Do you want to... sit?" She pats the seat next to her, head tilted.

Zara was in the middle of making popcorn when a knock came at the door. Lyla has a key - not that she'd be home at this hour. With that tell-tale grin, she steps over to the door and opens it. "I don't know. I was going to watch a movie."

She offers over the bowl of popcorn before wandering back inside of her loft. "Does this mean you're staying?"

Lyla is far gone that morning, off to be with her mother. She'd invited Zara, but she wasn't interested. It would have been misleading, and frankly, Zara didn't care much for meeting the parents. Her mother was home in Seattle, and Zara was bored. So, rather than letting Erica be left on read like she intended, she tapped out a response.

Zara was in bed. It was late, after all. She did happen to have a job, and a life. And a girlfriend. Lyla was asleep beside her, spread out like a starfish. Despite that fact, Zara was still staring at the wall of texts from none other than Erica Stone. Is brought a perverse smile to her lips, knowing the officer was drunk, and only had one person on the mind.

Zara will never understand how people assume she's always on shift. Outside of the time she's on the other side of the counter, she's under no obligation to put up with customers forgetting their boundaries. Frankly, it's annoying.

"Look, I just make your needy cappuccinos. I'm not looking for friends." With a sarcastic roll of the eyes, she disappears.

Just as she's successfully slipping away, she is stopped in tracks again. "Oh, well, Detective you'll have to excuse me." There's a pft of a scoff from her lips. Zara's eyes are opened a little bit wider, her interest waning.

"My name is Zara." She'd almost slipped away without any damage done, but it seems the lax policy of Reed's Roastery couldn't protect her from pushy customers after hours. "Listen, I'm going to be late, well, later than I already am. So I'll see you around, 'Detective'."

"How reassuring.." Zara's eyes go wide before she remembers to control her response. "I'm sure you'll figure it all out. You seem capable, Officer Erica." There's the lilt of a tease as she refers to her as 'Officer', impressed, at least in part, by her uniform.

"Tomorrow morning, 7 AM sharp, right?" Zara gives a two finger salute from her forehead. Once she's facing the other direction, she rolls her eyes. 'Erica' must just be socially awkward as a standard, or she would have asked for her number already.

"No, I'm just..." Late. There's a red wave of embarrassment filling her cheeks, and she shakes her head slightly. "I was on my way to work, actually." Her eyes fall on her empty hands, noting she is, in fact, sans coffee. "I'm guessing you were on your way to the same place?"

Of course Zara remembers 'Erica'. She's in every day, or at least, every day that Zara is working. "I'm fine, really. Just surprised. I'm sure my mom thinks I've been stabbed, but she'll survive." Zara adjusts her bag, hands fidgeting with the strap. "I think you may have cracked your phone, though."

She bends down, collecting the discarded device that was face down on the concrete. Small, spidery cracks billowed out across the expanse of the glass screen. Busted. "That'll be a fun few hours at the Genius Bar."

Zara, however, is the complete opposite. Being 30 minutes late to work is of no consequence. She wanders the bustling streets of Los Angeles with a pace that often earns her the ire and curses of many commuters on foot. She isn't harsh, or stressed. In fact, her mood is often completely at ease.

"No, mom. I'm not doing heroin. Being a barista doesn't exactly cover all of my expenses sometimes..." She has a quirky tone, which matches the interesting ensemble of clothes she's currently dressed in. Brown chukka boots, high-waist jeans, and the baggiest of sweaters. It doesn't look fastastic, but it's very 'LA'. She's speaking into the microphone attached to her earbud, the voice on the other end delivering a rapid fire retort.

And she's listening, all until she's nearly knocked on her ass by a flash of red hair. "Jesus Christ!" She curses, stumbling back a step before she regains her bearings. "Mom? Call you back." She cuts the line just as her mother launches into a barrage of 'what the f-s'.

"Oh, you're.." The stalker. She's the regular who always leaves obscene tips and can't seem to form coherent sentences when ordering. "Erica with a 'c', right?" There's a hint of humor to her musical tone, lips quirked in an amused bow.